asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the current long delays of up to 17 weeks and longer in processing certain social welfare claims; and the action he intends to take in this matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Claims.
151.
There have been certain delays in recent times in the processing of claims in relation to categories of social welfare claims. This is being experienced particularly in claims which involve means-testing.
There has been a tremendous increase in recent years in the workload of the Department arising in particular from the increase in the number of persons claiming unemployment payments. The effects have also been felt in practically all the Department's schemes and services.
Everything possible is being done to meet the difficulties. While it has not been possible to obtain the staff that would be necessary to deal with claims as promptly as would be desired, nevertheless additional staff has been assigned to the Department. Further additional staff has also been sought. Internal administrative practices are kept under continuous review to ensure that they are operating as efficiently as possible.
The Department's programme of computerisation is being advanced as rapidly as possible and has already created significant improvements in certain areas and allowed the reallocation of staff to the more hard pressed areas of the Department.
The creation within the Department of the social welfare services office concerned solely with the day-to-day running of the various schemes and services will, over time, guarantee a better quality of service to the public in relation to the wide range of social welfare payments.